Since the introduction of BS‑6 norms, DPF malfunctions have plagued diesel SUVs across India, prompting a flurry of complaints. Ravindranath’s 2022 Kia Sonet, sold at Rs 13.69 lakh, fell into that pattern after only a few thousand kilometres. He had purchased an extended warranty covering the vehicle until 2027, yet the problem persisted regardless of the repairs.
The commission reviewed 17 service records, all of which documented DPF sensor replacements, battery checks, and ECM software updates. It found that no record mentioned the driver’s habits or a failure to follow the prescribed regeneration procedure, a key omission that the commission highlighted as evidence of mis‑management by the service centre.
Kia’s legal counsel argued that DPF alerts stem from fuel quality and driving conditions, not a defect. The company contended that the vehicle had covered over 43,782 km and remained roadworthy, a claim the commission rejected because the service history contradicted it.
Ravindranath spent Rs 13,000 on a faulty sensor replacement and endured multiple visits where the DPF was removed, refurbished, and the ECU re‑programmed. He claimed that, after a major repair, the issue resurfaced after just 338 km of driving.
The commission ordered Kia to pay the refund and interest to Ravindranath within 30 days. The buyer may appeal if the manufacturer delays payment, while the commission has warned that similar cases will be scrutinised more closely.